Subject Area: Maths
A Level in Further Mathematics AIMS OF THE COURSE In addition to the aims of the A Level Mathematics course, we also aim to give students wishing to study a very maths rich course at university an excellent foundation in the subject and to look at some of the topics that may appear at undergraduate level.
PRE-REQUISITES Pupils wishing to study Further Maths at A level should have a real passion for the subject along with a strong work ethic. A potential student should be a very strong mathematician and be resilient in the face of increasingly complex subject matter. A potential student should naturally structure a mathematical argument using equations and correct mathematical notation consistently and accurately. The student should be aware that even if they found GCSE easy and are a capable mathematician they will be looking at concepts that will challenge them significantly, they will make mistakes and must not give up when the topics are difficult. You will receive 2 A levels in maths: A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics.
COURSE CONTENT
• Further Statistics In Further Statistics students explore in greater detail the content of A Level Mathematics but also extend their skills into new areas such as regression and Chi squared tests. • Further Mechanics In Further Mechanics students develop further their understanding of kinematics, dynamics and statics from A Level Mathematics whilst also learning new topics such as impulse, momentum, work, energy and power. • Discrete/Decision Mathematics Decision/Discrete Mathematics is a branch of mathematics which looks at modelling real life situations using graph theory and algorithms. Topics such as linear programming, route inspection and critical path analysis are explored in detail.
ASSESSMENT You will be assessed internally throughout the course to check that you are on track. The course is formally assessed through three examination papers that will be sat at the end of year 13.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The A level course is structured similarly to A Level Mathematics - Further Pure Mathematics, Further Mechanics and Further Statistics as well as the introduction of some “Discrete Mathematics”.
Employers and Universities both value an A level in Further Mathematics. This could potentially make your first year of undergraduate easier as you will have some prior knowledge of some concepts that will be covered.
• Further Pure Mathematics In Further Pure Mathematics students extend and deepen their knowledge of proof, algebra, function, calculus and vectors studied in A Level Mathematics. They will also broaden their knowledge into new areas of study such as matrices, polar coordinates and complex numbers.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The minimum entry requirements for level 3 academic study apply. In addition, a Grade 7+ in GCSE Mathematics is required.
37.